Roll Call

After being named as the EuroCup Finals MVP, Hapoel Tel Aviv BC star Johnathan Motley reflected on what felt like an "out of body" experience.

Johnathan Motley lived 'out of body' experience as EuroCup Finals MVP

Athletes envision themselves performing their craft beforehand so that when the moment comes they are able to remain calm under all the pressure. [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) did exactly that before the BKT EuroCup Finals and it was the reason why the [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) center was so relaxed after being named the Finals MVP. 

Motley was outstanding in both games of the Finals and was the logical choice as MVP, especially after he scored 26 points to go with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal for a PIR of 28 in [Hapoel’s 94-103 win over Dreamland Gran Canaria in Game 2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-sweeps-gran-canaria-for-first-eurocup-title-and-ticket-to-euroleague/). The big man tied a EuroCup Finals record of 12 free throws made and set a new best mark with 16 free throws attempted. 

“I am just happy we got it done,” said Motley, who tallied 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in the Game 1 win. 

“I was very confident in my team. We work really hard. We have a great locker room. Everybody trusts each other."

Motley added after the trophy ceremony: “Right now, I am surprisingly calm … I envisioned myself doing the trophy thing all week. It’s just crazy that I am in it right now. It’s kind of out of body right now.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">MVP 👹 <a href="https://t.co/WSG3dQLFBX">pic.twitter.com/WSG3dQLFBX</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1910828496416284934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The great showing in the Finals was not a surprise as Motley has shined all season, grabbing a spot on the 2024-25 BKT All-EuroCup First Team. 

“It was a difficult season, every game was away. But the fans came out. And we have a great locker room. We all love each other. We all don’t care who does what. We all instill confidence in each other. That's what made us get to this point,” said Motley. 

The 29-year-old played two seasons in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Now he can start envisaging himself playing at that level again. 

Game News

The big man showed all season why he is one of the best players in the competition

Johnathan Motley lived 'out of body' experience as EuroCup Finals MVP 

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2025-04-11T19:00:00.000Z)

Congratulations to Yonatan Deutsch, our 25th and final winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Yonatan's team, 'hapoel 76ers', posted a score of 182.80.

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Finals Game 2 winner

Congratulations to Yonatan Deutsch, our 25th and final winner in the 2024-25 EuroCup Fantasy Challenge! Yonatan's team, 'hapoel 76ers', posted a score of 182.80.

Yonatan had the following starting lineup: Johnathan Motley of Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv as team captain, then his teammates Antonio Blakeney, Yam Madar and Tomer Ginat, as well as Nico Brussino of Dreamland Gran Canaria. George Conditt of Gran Canaria was the sixth man.

The head coach of Nikolaos's team was Hapoel's Dimitris Itoudis, and the four bench players were all from Gran Canaria: John Shurna, Andrew Albicy and Joe Thomasson of Gran Canaria, as well as Noam Yaacov of Hapoel.

The prize for finishing first in the 24th round of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge is a free subscription to Euroleague TV for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Yonatan!

The winner of the overall standings is Milos Mihajlovic and his squad, 'BallIsLife', which has a total of 4,023.35 points.

During its series-clinching win in the EuroCup Finals, Hapoel Tel Aviv set a number of records.

Hapoel Tel Aviv broke EuroCup Finals records for most points, most triples 

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) made history in some style as [its Game 2 victory over Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/hapoel-sweeps-gran-canaria-for-first-eurocup-title-and-ticket-to-euroleague/) to clinch the BKT EuroCup title set two major records – the most points scored and most three-pointers made in a Finals game – and a number of other marks were eclipsed or nearly broken.

Hapoel poured on the offensive firepower in sweeping Gran Canaria for its first EuroCup trophy with a 94-103 victory. Those 103 points topped the previous high of 95 points scored by ALBA Berlin against Valencia Basket in Game 2 of the 2019 Finals. Gran Canaria, which had not scored more than 66 points in any of the games against Hapoel this season, also came close to matching the previous record. 

Hapoel drained 15 three-pointers on 26 attempts in the victory for a blistering hot 57.7% to break the record of 14 triples made by Valencia in Game 2 against ALBA in the 2019 Finals. The 57.7% was just off the best three-point shooting percentage of 60.0% by Valencia against Krka Novo Mesto in Game 2 of the 2003 Finals.   

[Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/) hit 5 three-pointers en route to 27 points for Hapoel – both stats were just off tying Finals records. Four players have scored 28 points in a Finals game while three players have knocked down 6 triples in a game. 

“It was great. This is what we play for – to win titles. This is my first title as a professional. Words cannot explain how happy I am,” said Blakeney. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">לקואץ׳ יש משהו להגיד לכם 🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/F4HdY9IoLK">pic.twitter.com/F4HdY9IoLK</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1910809531388428407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

There was an individual three-point record set as Hapoel’s [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/yam-madar/011052/) connected on 4 of 4 from long range and finished with 16 points. It was the most three-pointers made without a miss – the previous best being 2 of 2, which was done three times. 

Hapoel big man [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/), who took home the Finals MVP award, tied one record and set another from the free-throw line. He beat the mark for most foul shots attempted with 16 –  the previous record being 13 by TJ Shorts of Paris Basketball in Game 2 in 2024. And Motley made 12 shots from the charity stripe, evening the record with Bojan Popovic of Dynamo Moscow in 2006. 

All told, Hapoel registered a team performance index rating of 114, which was just 2 off the record of Valencia’s 116 against ALBA in Game 3 in 2019. 

Hapoel also joined Unicaja Malaga as the second team to win the EuroCup title after being down 1-0 in a best-of-three series. The Israel side won the final two games against Valencia Basket in the semifinals to reach its first Finals. 

Other team and individual marks were set, while others were close to being broken

Check out what the Hapoel Tel Aviv BC players had to say after winning the 2025 EuroCup championship.

Champions' quotes: Hapoel Tel Aviv

### Ish Wainright, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward

"This is the first title in my collegiate or professional career. I won with Mot \[Johnathan Motley\] and we said, 'We finally got one together'. This is an unbelievable feeling. We broke records!? Wow, I didn't know about that. That was a hell of a game. Hell of a team. Much respect for that team, Gran Canaria is a great team. This is unbelievable. Our chemistry is amazing. We don't care who scores, we don't care who brings the ball up, we locked in on defense. We had a slip-up every now and then, but we were locked in."

### Bruno Caboclo, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv center

"It's been amazing. Our team went through ups and downs, a lot of changes, but we managed to keep the locker room healthy. Every playoff game was a big battle. I'm so relieved to be able to win the championship. We have great players, a great coach as well. Great staff, great medical team. I think everybody was part of this. The fans as well. Everything helped us to get to here. \[Going to the EuroLeague\] is a big thing for the history of the club, so I'm very happy to be part of this and to keep going with this story."

### Yam Madar, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard

"For sure, that was the goal from the beginning when I arrived at Hapoel: to make it to the EuroLeague. The road was very difficult. We've been through a lot. We didn't play so good at the beginning. To see how everything and how the journey summed up to a point where we actually made it after 2-0, playing great basketball, being together, everyone happy for each other. Behind us is an unbelievable community that was waiting for a title for 52 years. To bring them a title after 52 years is something unbelievable. You see the guys over here and we have so many others in Israel watching us. We're just happy for them. I just tried to do whatever I can to bring this team to the EuroLeague. It is 100% \[special\]. I know that by playing I'm risking my career, my knee. But it was a no-brainer for me to come and just to do whatever I can just to try to help this team win. I am just happy, a lot of teammates came over here tonight and played great. It's a really special group."

### Antonio Blakeney, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard

"It feels great. Obviously winning is the main thing, but we won this way and it feels great. We stayed together. We've got a team right now where everyone likes each other, everyone knows each other's game, so it's easy to play well like that. I'm always a confident guy, but definitely that boosted my confidence \[his big quarter against Valencia\], and my teammates really keep me confident. Whether I'm missing or making, they always motivate me."

### Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard

"It feels so amazing. There's ups and downs throughout the season. Sometimes you feel like you might not even get to this point, and we got here, we did it, so it feels amazing. I think just our focus and off the court, our relationship with each other, and just understanding each other that we're going to have problems but we've got to figure out how to get through them. And defensively, we stepped up. They made runs and we figured out a way to still win. I mean, when you look down the line, you've got Antonio Blakeney, Yam Madar, Ish Wainright, me. This is the talented team we've got. With the Israelis, anything can happen for us, man. We're just an amazing team, and that's why we're so hard to beat because we have so much talent."

Check out what the Hapoel players had to say after winning the 2025 EuroCup championship

Champions' quotes, Hapoel Tel Aviv: 'The fans were waiting for a title for 52 years'

A truly dominant showing in the BKT EuroCup Finals has seen Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv big man Johnathan Motley become the EuroCup Finals MVP, with the 29-year-old playing an integral role in guiding his team to a 2-0 series win over Dreamland Gran Canaria.

EuroCup Finals MVP: Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

A truly dominant showing in the BKT EuroCup Finals has seen [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) big man [Johnathan Motley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/johnathan-motley/011157/) become the EuroCup Finals MVP, with the 29-year-old playing an integral role in guiding his team to a 2-0 series win over [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/).

Motley had the joint highest PIR of any player in the series with a 23.5 average index rating across the two games, together with teammate [Antonio Blakeney](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/antonio-blakeney/013402/). His 19 PIR in Game 1 was the highest of any player that took to the floor, while he followed that up with a 28 PIR – his fourth-highest index rating of the season – in Game 2. He was also tied with Blakeney as the highest scoring player in the series with an average of 22.0 points in the EuroCup Finals.

After spending two years in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Motley returned to the EuroCup – where he first debuted with Lokomotiv Kuban in the 2021-22 campaign – with one thing in mind: leading Hapoel to a championship. In the EuroCup Finals, Motley showed his EuroLeague-level talent by starring in all facets of the game, particularly on offense.

In Game 1, Motley had 18 points on 7-of-14 two-pointers and 4-of-5 free throws, as well as 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and a 19 PIR. He followed that up with 26 points on 7-of-12 two-pointers and 12-of-16 free throws, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and a 28 PIR in Game 2.

Motley had 14 points in the first half of Game 2 to help his team take a 44-53 lead into the break, then another 7 points in the third and 5 in the fourth as Hapoel’s offense showed no sign of slowing down until the final buzzer sounded.

This EuroCup title is the first continental trophy of Motley’s career, and he got to lift the trophy alongside a college teammate of his, [Ish Wainright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ishmail-carzell-wainright/013284/), who also joined Hapoel last summer.

“I was very confident in my team,” Motley told EuroLeague TV afterward. “We worked real hard, we have a great locker room, everybody trusts each other, so right now I’m calm. I’m just glad we got it done. I envisaged myself doing the trophy thing all week. It’s just crazy that I’m in it right now. I’m just out of body right now, to be honest.”

Game 2 News

He dominated as the Israeli team swept its series against Gran Canaria


BKT EuroCup Finals MVP: Johnathan Motley, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2025-04-08T17:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Tel Aviv wrote the greatest chapter in its club history by defeating Gran Canaria 94-103 to clinch the 2024-25 EuroCup title – the first pan-European crown for its trophy case – and a ticket to the EuroLeague. 

Hapoel Tel Aviv sweeps Gran Canaria for first EuroCup title and ticket to EuroLeague

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv wrote the greatest chapter in its club history by defeating Dreamland Gran Canaria 94-103 to clinch the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup title – the first pan-European crown for its trophy case – and a ticket to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. Hapoel completed the 2-0 series sweep by setting Finals single-game records for most points and 15 three-pointers against the second-best defense in the competition. 

Antonio Blakeney scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the third quarter; EuroCup Finals MVP Johnathan Motley put together another outstanding showing with 26 points including 12-of-16 free throws while Yam Madar added 16 points on 4-of-4 triples and 6 assists. Hapoel became the second Israeli club to win the EuroCup after Hapoel Jerusalem in 2003-04, which was the last time a club from the country played in the Finals.

Gran Canaria failed to win its second EuroCup title after 2023 despite George Conditt scoring 18 points and both John Shurna and Joe Thomasson adding 14 points. 

Game Videos

Tomer Ginat opened the game with a three-pointer for the guests, who led 0-5 in the opening moments. After a Motley three-point play, Madar drained back-to-back triples and Hapoel was already up double figures 4-14 after 3 minutes. Gran Canaria managed to shut down the Hapoel offense for 3 minutes and pulled within 11-14. But the lead was 13-24 after a four-point play from Blakeney and another Madar triple. Conditt picked up three put-backs from offensive rebounds to try to keep the hosts close 17-24. But the score was 21-29 after 10 minutes. 

Gran Canaria did not score a field goal in the first 3 minutes of the second quarter and Noam Yaacov and Marcus Foster both hit triples as Hapoel improved to 8 of 12 on threes and led 25-39. The Spanish side stepped up its defense again and held Hapoel scoreless for 5 minutes and Andrew Albicy scored 7 points in an 11-0 run to pull within 38-39. Hapoel punched right back with a Motley three-point play and Madar triple to make it 38-45. And five points from Ginat sent Hapoel into the locker room ahead 44-53.

Thomasson buried two three-pointers and Nicolas Brussino also hit from long range for Gran Canaria but Blakeney knocked down two triples at the other end and the lead was still 53-61. Shurna followed with a three-pointer and two Mike Tobey inside scores had Gran Canaria as close as 61-63. Hapoel’s stars answered with a Motley and-one and Madar layup to extend the cushion to 61-68. Blakeney added a three-point play and triple and Hapoel found itself up 68-76. And it was 72-83 after two more free throws and another and-one from Blakeney. The guests were leading 74-86 after 30 minutes.

Bruno Caboclo opened the final frame with a three-pointer and added an inside basket to give the guests a 78-92 advantage. Blakeney added his fifth triple and the cushion swelled to 19 points - 78-97. Gran Canaria went scoreless for nearly 6 minutes and back-to-back three-pointers by Mehdy Ngouama gave the hosts a faint glimmer of hope, down 86-97 with 2 minutes to go. Shurna and Ngouama added threes in the closing 70 seconds but it was not enough to take down Hapoel.

Dimitris Itoudis's men put on a historic offensive 

[Joventut Badalona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/joventut-badalona/jov/) has confirmed that center [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) has signed a new two-year deal with an option for an additional year, which would see him remain at the Spanish club until the summer of 2028.

Tomic, 38, is in his fifth season with Joventut and is the foreign player that has played the most games in the club's history with 271 in all competitions.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">⭐️ La màgia de l’MVP croat seguirà brillant a Badalona<br><br>✍️ Ante Tomic amplia el seu contracte fins al juny del 2028 amb el Club Joventut Badalona<br><br>📝 El comunicat: <a href="https://t.co/CF8IDSBhpc">https://t.co/CF8IDSBhpc</a><br><br>🙌 Hi ha <a href="https://twitter.com/AnteTomic404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnteTomic404</a> per estona!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityOfBadalona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityOfBadalona</a> <a href="https://t.co/ksKx60pNE9">pic.twitter.com/ksKx60pNE9</a></p>&mdash; Club Joventut Badalona (@Penya1930) <a href="https://twitter.com/Penya1930/status/1910656576777838725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

All five of the Croatian big man's BKT EuroCup seasons have come with Joventut, but he already ranks 12th all-time in accumulated PIR (1,345), sixth in two-pointers made (399), eighth in defensive rebounds (350) and ninth in total rebounds (481).

Despite last playing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague in the 2019-20 season, Tomic still ranks high in several all-time categories, being 20th in accumulated PIR (3,723), fourth in two-pointers made (1,137), ninth in offensive rebounds (520), 13th in defensive rebounds (1,025), ninth in total rebounds (1,545), and being tied 18th in blocks (155). He spent three seasons in the EuroLeague with Real Madrid (2009-12) and eight campaigns with FC Barcelona (2012-20).

More Joventut News

The veteran center has committed his future to the Badalona-based club

Ante Tomic signs new deal at Joventut until 2028

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Dreamland Gran Canaria are fighting for the BKT EuroCup title. Hapoel currently has a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, but Gran Canaria has survived several do-or-die situations and is ready for the challenge. Both teams have a chance to join very select clubs in competition history.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, Gran Canaria can join list of comeback clubs 

[Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) and [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) are fighting for the BKT EuroCup title. Hapoel currently has a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, but Gran Canaria has survived several do-or-die situations and is ready for the challenge. Both teams have a chance to join very select clubs in competition history.

Gran Canaria can become the third team to win the EuroCup title without having home-court advantage in any series. It downed Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem 89-92 in the quarterfinals and eliminated Bahcesehir College Istanbul, registering a 72-76 road win in Game 3 at Sinan Erdem Arena.

Two teams managed to go all the way without any home-court advantage. Valencia Basket was the first to do so in 2014, winning four consecutive two-legged series. It had to wait until the final seconds to go past the quarterfinals against Khimki Moscow Region, as a series-clinching jumper by Pau Ribas gave Valencia the victory with an aggregate score of 157-156. Valencia went on to beat ALBA Berlin in the quarterfinals, Nizhny Novgorod in the semifinals and UNICS Kazan in the Finals. Justin Doellman earned 2014 Finals MVP honors, leading Valencia to consecutive double-digit wins against UNICS for an aggregate score of 165-150.

Only one team was able to win three consecutive best-of-three playoff series without the home-court advantage. Unicaja Malaga eliminated FC Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, rallying from a 1-0 deficit in the series to win Game 3 69-74 at Audi Dome behind 21 points from Nemanja Nedovic. Unicaja went on to sweep Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar in the semifinals before going down 1-0 in the finals against Valencia. Unicaja took Game 2 79-71 and rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final 9 minutes to upset Valencia in do-or-die Game 3, 58-63. Alberto Diez earned 2017 EuroCup Finals honors. 

Unicaja is one of two teams to be down 1-0 in a best-of-three series and still win the title. In 2021, AS Monaco started the quarterfinals with a Game 1 home loss against Buducnost, 76-77. Monaco went on to win its next six playoff games, eliminating Buducnost with a 90-87 victory in Game 3, sweeping Gran Canaria in the semifinals and getting two narrow wins against UNICS in the Finals, 89-87 in Game 1 and 83-86 in Game 2. Marcos Knight was chosen as the 2021 EuroCup Finals MVP.

Another team will join this club upon the conclusion of the 2025 EuroCup Finals, as both Hapoel and Gran Canaria were down 1-0 in the semifinals against Valencia and Bahcesehir, respectively.

There have been some epic turnarounds in the EuroCup Playoffs. We take a look at them before Game 2 of the 2025 EuroCup Finals at Gran Canaria Arena

Ahead of Game 2 of the 2025 EuroCup Finals, we’ve taken a look at some of the most memorable games in the history of the EuroCup Finals.

Five (plus one) unforgettable EuroCup Finals games

Game 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup Finals is in the books with [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/hta/) taking advantage of home-court advantage to beat [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/) 74-65 and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Gran Canaria will now fight in a do-or-die battle at home this Friday night to force a return to Samokov, Bulgaria and a Game 3. Hapoel, on the other hand, has a chance to finish the series on the road and celebrate not only the first EuroCup title in club history but also book a precious spot in the 2025-26 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Ahead of this big clash, we’ve taken a look at some of the most memorable games in the history of the EuroCup Finals.

Read more [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1810414/five-plus-one-highly-memorable-eurocup-finals-games/).

Will we see a classic tonight in Game 2 of the 2025 Finals?

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Game 2 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals.

EuroCup Finals, Game 2: Pregame quotes

## Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (tonight, 21:00 CEST)

**Jaka Lakovic, Dreamland Gran Canaria head coach**

"It is another do-or-die game, we have to win to stay in the series. We know that and we also know that we have to do a better job than we have done in Bulgaria. Above all, we have to fix the basic things that make us a very good team, a team that can beat anyone. That's the first thing and I'm sure of it. We have to be more aggressive and be closer to the ball. Those are the basic things that we have talked about in the previous series. We also have to have a better percentage of shots. In these series, at the highest level, when it comes to our offense, we have to be productive and effective to win. They have a very physical and athletic team, but I think that with our effort and aggressiveness, we can control that and minimize it. I think that we have done that well in the game against Bulgaria. There were a few moments where we allowed them to go on a run that determined the game. Even then, I think we had a couple of chances to get back into the game, but we didn't. That's why we have to save this series here on our court. We have spent 16 days \[out of 21\] away from the island. It's tough. It's an impulse from our fans to our players, who play with a lot of commitment and character. Here, nobody gives up."

**Caleb Homesley, Dreamland Gran Canaria guard**

"It's always good to play at home. I think in the finals and the semifinals, we always take advantage when we play at home. The fans really help us a lot. And I think that we are ready to get back to work, and obviously take this game one step at a time. Intensity will be the biggest key. I think when you are down 0-1, you can't come out with the same energy. Your energy has to be a little different. Tactics-wise, I think we are OK, we can fix a couple of things and we'll go over them. And I think for sure, though, it's the energy. We talked about it all season long, how hard it is to win, and I think that as a basketball player, you know what it's like to be in these type of games. You want to play in these type of games and just got to really take it possession by possession. I think that we have to match their energy. They are really well coached. They have really good players., I think that tactically, we know exactly what we have to do, but our energy has to be high."

**George Conditt, Dreamland Gran Canaria center**

"Being here helps us a lot, just getting back in our home environment, getting everybody getting back to their own space, seeing their families. We are tired from the trip, but you can tell a lot of people coming in here \[with\] smiling faces because they are back home and got to see their families and everything. But as far as Game 2, I feel like we are going to be mentally and physically prepared. We just got to stay together and really, really lock in on the scout. They had a good game. They made a lot of good shots. Unfortunately, we didn't make too many shots for us, shooting 19% from three is not a good game for us. But I feel like being at home will be a lot more confident to take those shots and make those shots as well. \[Johnathan\] Motley had a good game, but we've got to be more physical with him, not give him too much space. With space, he is able to be more agile and be able to move around a lot more. So we've got to be a little bit more physical with him in Game 2, for sure. I can't wait. I hear stories from my teammates all the time about how electrifying it was last time \[2023 EuroCup Finals\]. You know, they were here, so I can't wait to get back in this arena and play in front of all the fans."

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"It is exciting playing the finals. It is exciting leading 1-0 but we know that in order to reach this glory, we need another win, to beat a great team one more time on their home court. Our defense had worked well in all three games \[against Gran Canaria this season\]. In general, we need to make those certain adjustments because they will do certain adjustments and changes on their offense, and they got us in some situations. But we are working with the coaching staff and also with the players to try to make certain improvements, because Gran Canaria is a team that can play in both speeds: high pace, five on five and everything. So we are working on that.

"We are people that are living in the moment. And the moment is here. And this moment requires a lot of mental strength, a lot of physical strength and a lot of focus, a lot of camaraderie, a lot of things. So we want to live that moment now. I believe that in all three games we have played so far, even though there are differences and many things that we can add or subtract, we were there defensively. We had a clear plan on offensive set and also on the defensive strategy. We need to make stops and fight on the boards because they are big and have good athletes. They can run the floor well and definitely they shoot the ball pretty good beyond the three point line. It is not going to be easy. We will try to contain their creativity on the open court."

**Marcus Foster, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv guard**

"It's been a long journey to get to this game that we have been all picturing being here. We are excited and we are just ready to play. I think defensively we have to be better because I think they are going to see some things that they are good at. They are going to try to expose us a little bit on defense again. I think offensively, we just have to continue to play how we play and share the ball and take our shots that we normally take. It definitely helps us \[winning at Gran Canaria Arena earlier this season\] because last time we came here the environment was very good. A lot of people say it's a very tough place to play and I can say that because I have been here. It helps us to be a little more comfortable and know what to expect coming in. I think the best thing about the finals is you just have to take it possession by possession. You can't think about first quarter, fourth quarter. You just have to play each possession hard and hope for the best outcome."

**Bruno Caboclo, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv center**

"I think this is going to be the toughest game. We have got to play even better than we played in Game 1, come here stronger and hopefully finish the game here. We have to cancel their best players, the scorers, a little bit. They have very good scorers and they have some tendencies. So take some of those tendencies and play as a group. Play as a group and play and make a good game. I think the more chances we give to them, the tougher it's going to be. So I think this game is going to be the most important. We are going to come here with the mentality to finish the tournament right here. I think it's a chance for a few who managed to get here. I'm having this opportunity, so I have to make the most of it and I hope to be the champion. Vitor Benite \[the only EuroCup-winning Brazilian player until now\] and Edy Tavares played for Gran Canaria. They are great friends of mine. I really like and respect this club and I'm very happy to be playing a final against them."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Game 2 of the 2025 BKT EuroCup Finals

John Shurna calls Gran Canaria home for many reasons, on and off the court. Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo talked to him about it all.

John Shurna and Gran Canaria: A match made in heaven

Gran Canaria is a dream destination of a lot of people. A lot of people from Northern Europe choose to retire in the Canary Islands due to its unbeatable combination of great weather, beautiful beaches and friendly people. Almost 900,000 people live in Gran Canaria and thousands of tourists go every year whether it is to windsurf, enjoy its great weather, especially in winter months, or just disconnect from their daily duties.

The island is home to [Dreamland Gran Canaria](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/teams/dreamland-gran-canaria/can/), the 2022-23 BKT EuroCup champions. Founded back in 1963, there is no time like the present for the club, which is playing its second EuroCup Finals in three years and previously reached this stage in 2015. 

Back in 2023, power forward [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) was chosen as the EuroCup Finals MVP after leading Gran Canaria past Turk Telekom Ankara to complete the club's most memorable night in its history. Shurna is in his sixth season with Gran Canaria, but before that he played for six different clubs in seven years. It was meant to be: a laid-back, really talented player finding his place in the European basketball ecosystem, playing for the perfect team in the perfect spot.

"I wouldn't have predicted this, coming from Chicago to living off the coast of Africa for and playing for Gran Canaria for such a long time. No, I would not have predicted this," Shurna says in an exclusive in-depth interview with [Euroleague.net](http://Euroleague.net)'s Javier Gancedo.

Born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Shurna started to play basketball when the Chicago Bulls dominated the NBA in the 1990s. He opted to join Northwestern University due to his high academic standards and ended up being its all-time top scorer. In 2009, he won the U19 World Cup with the USA in Auckland, New Zealand. That gave him the confidence to try to turn basketball into his professional career. Shurna never made it to the NBA, being cut by the New York Knicks, and after playing in France, Spain, Croatia, Turkiye and Andorra, he found a home in Gran Canaria.

"I am grateful for every stop in my career," he says. "I have been fortunate to have played with an amazing group of players and also coaches. I played for a lot of amazing coaches who I got to learn from, and a lot of great memories with players, coaches, and fans from all the different clubs I played for. 

"It is great to be able to stay in a place like Gran Canaria, and we have been fortunate to keep a lot of the core here as well. I made a lot of lifelong friendships and even just relationships with the fans and the people working for the club. It makes me hold a more special place in my heart for Gran Canaria and to represent the club and the island overall."

There are many things that keep Shurna happy in Gran Canaria. Let's start with all the basketball-related stuff. 

Gran Canaria has been able to keep a core of players together who have developed into best friends. After so many years together, [Miquel Salvo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/miquel-salvo/005005/), [Andrew Albicy](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-albicy/003425/) and [Nico Brussino](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nicolas-brussino/008121/) know where Shurna will be without having to ask. Shurna and Albicy have played together for seven seasons – two at Andorra and the last five at Gran Canaria. They get to teach new players what it means to be a member of this club, where to go, how to behave and how to be successful.

Gran Canaria forward John Shurna completed a magical season with another individual accolade as the 7DAYS EuroCup Finals MVP. Shurna was the leading scorer with 18 points as Gran Canaria held off Turk Telekom Ankara 71-67 to win the EuroCup for the first time and earn a ticket to the 2023-23 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

John Shurna | Final MVP | 2022-23 7DAYS EuroCup

"With Miqui \[Miquel Salvo\], Nico \[Brussino\], Andrew \[Albicy\] and myself being here for so long, I think Gran Canaria does mean a lot to us," Shurna says. "And I think it's been we want to continue to have the club go in the right direction. Credit to our management and our coaching staff, as in a place like Gran Canaria, there are a lot of changes roster wise each year, mainly for guys who have earned better opportunities, whether it be financially or basketball wise to go to other teams. 

"There's a lot of turnover each year, and I think the club has done a great job finding different pieces. Also, credit to Jaka \[Lakovic\] and the coaching staff for having to adjust each year and putting our team in the right situations to succeed, as the team is different every year. I think we try our best to welcome everyone with open arms to try for them to succeed individually and as a team."

Off the court, Gran Canaria has everything Shurna, his wife Mallory and their sons Jake and Miles can wish for. Long trips are the only issue for any player at Gran Canaria but Mallory steps up each and every time, up to the point that John calls her a superwoman.

"Without my wife, I don't know where I would be," he admits. "The great thing about Gran Canaria is you live on a beautiful island. The difficult part is that travels are long. She is definitely the backbone of our family. It is a bit chaotic but she is superwoman. I'm grateful to have such a great partner, wife, mother like her, that is so supportive of me chasing my goals and doing everything she does for our family.

"As for my kids, we have family back in Chicago so when they spend time with their grandparents in the summer, they enjoy all the extra attention they get and the treats from the grandparents and things like this. So I think they enjoy their time in Chicago, but they also have friends here. They really enjoy life in Gran Canaria as well. My oldest son even speaks Spanish with a canary accent! We definitely love Gran Canaria, and we have been extremely happy here."

People in Gran Canaria love Shurna and his family back, too. He has a great relationship with fans that led to some awkward situations. After renewing his contract, the club posted a picture with him looking like a saint, calling him Padre John (Father John), Protector of Impossible Shots and Low Post Game. He played along with the joke, of course.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">🙏 Sus plegarias han sido escuchadas. Para la mesita de noche, el salpicadero del coche… <br><br>👼 Estampita de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadreJohn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadreJohn</a> <a href="https://t.co/cG1tRmrxZb">pic.twitter.com/cG1tRmrxZb</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1674126593424347154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

"I don't have social media so I really don't have an opinion on it, but I don't view it as a negative," he says. "If it makes fans happy. I'm happy to go with it. If it brings a smile to our fans' faces, being called something like that, I'm OK with it.

"I love our fans and the relationship I have with them. I am always grateful for anyone to pay money to come watch us play. I try to do my best to give my best each night: whether making shots or missing shots, you can always give your best effort and also try to be the best representative I can of the island. 

"Even when not on the court, it's fun seeing fans outside, whether it be walking around \[local beach\] Las Canteras or going to schools, or in the grocery store... Like I said, I am grateful for everyone that supports our team and willing to come support us."

After six years in Gran Canaria, Shurna does not hesitate to call Gran Canaria home. Jake and Miles have grown up on the island, John has been more successful at Gran Canaria than anywhere else in his career, and walking around the city is still special for the Shurnas after so much time living there.

"First off, it's beautiful. Anytime you get to wake up and you can see the sun, palm trees and the beach... It's a beautiful island," he continues. "In the city, each neighborhood has its own personality. And the people have welcomed us with open arms and been friendly. We have made a lot of great friends and relationships here, so it's a place my family and I have been calling home for a while now. My kids have spent more time here than anywhere else in the world. It's a place that we hold special in our hearts."

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Padre John les desea un feliz <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/D%C3%ADaDelPadre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DíaDelPadre</a> 💛 <a href="https://t.co/FsS9Y8Zq57">pic.twitter.com/FsS9Y8Zq57</a></p>&mdash; Dreamland Gran Canaria (@GranCanariaCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GranCanariaCB/status/1770023979387937077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

At this point, Shurna could even work as a tour guide as he knows the island inside out. He has done his best to drive around and know every inch of the island, enjoying its diversity, from mountains to beaches to natural pools and everything in the middle. Shurna has found out that Gran Canaria is much more than just a beautiful island with great beaches, and that it is its great people what actually makes the difference.

"I think you would have to start with Las Canteras, just walking along that area, it's beautiful. This is the one place that when I go walking down there, I kind of always just kind of say, 'Wow, it's amazing I get to live here'," he says. "Walking along the boardwalk, seeing the beach, seeing the water typically sunny... so just walking along there, I think, is something that always brings a smile to my face. Also, Triana and Vegueta are fun areas to walk around. It is the older part of town where there are parks and kids can play and a lot of nice restaurants.

"And then outside of Las Palmas, obviously the south of the island is beautiful and even more sunny, a bit warmer than the northern part of the island. You can find some beautiful beaches there. You can also head to the center, Roque Nublo, if you are looking for mountains. And then if you're going to the northwest, you can go to Agaete, which is beautiful, and go for hikes and natural pools in that area. And further in the island, you can go to Teror, too. There is a great Sunday market where you can find every other stand with its trademark chorizo. 

"I love Gran Canaria because there is a little bit of something for everyone and typically great weather, sunshine and great people. We have been fortunate to call it home. So I have plenty of recommendations, it just depends on who the person is and your personality and what you like!"

Being away from social media has allowed Shurna to live a really quiet life in Gran Canaria. Little is known about him off the court, but there is one hobby he has shared online: he really loves the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge. He accepted an invitation to come on the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge podcast and come back on several times. Shurna is not doing bad, ranking 3,296th of over 540,000 teams in the standings. It is also a fun way to stay connected to former teammates, so it is a win-win situation.

"I am a big fan of the EuroLeague and follow it, and the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge has been a fun way to keep in touch with other teammates like Sam Van Rossom and the Colom brothers \[Quino and Guille\]," he admits. "I don't play the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. When it comes to games I am playing in, I am focused on doing what I can to help the team, and I don't want any alternative. I want to make sure I'm focused on the game.

"I think just after being here for so many years, building relationships with a lot of different players and coaches, and just being a huge basketball fan, it is something I enjoy, watching the EuroLeague each week and following my fantasy team. The Fantasy Challenge is a fun way to keep in touch with teammates, and I enjoy it a lot."

In the end, Shurna may end up doing what a lot of people do in Gran Canaria: calling it home for good and live on the island after his playing days. But first, his main goal is to bring another EuroCup title to the club and to keep playing for Gran Canaria for as long as he can.

"My body still feels good, so I hope I can play for a lot longer, and I would love for it to be in Gran Canaria," he says. "But yes, that's definitely something my wife and I talk about. We will see what happens down the road. It's a beautiful place that my family and I really, really love."

John Shurna calls Gran Canaria home for many reasons, on and off the court. Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo talked to him about life in the Canary Islands and much more

The 2024-25 BKT EuroCup champion is now known as Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv defeated Dreamland Gran Canaria 2-0 in their best-of-three finals series.

After winning 74-65 in Game 1 in Samokov, Bulgaria, Hapoel triumphed 94-103 in Gran Canaria behind 27 points from Antonio Blakeney and 26 points from Johnathan Motley. Yam Madar also added 16 points in Game 2, while Tomer Ginat had 10 points.

Dimitris Itoudis, the Hapoel play-caller, has become the fourth coach to win the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and EuroCup, joining the late Dusan Ivkovic, David Blatt and Ergin Ataman.

In Game 2, Hapoel set a pair of EuroCup Finals records: for the most points scored and for the most threes made.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">הפועל תל אביב. <a href="https://t.co/Hy5I0UFFW6">pic.twitter.com/Hy5I0UFFW6</a></p>&mdash; Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/HapoelTLVBC/status/1910800959267099030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Israeli swept Gran Canaria in the Finals

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